Fatwa ID: 02257

Answered by Molana Eunus Ali

Question:

As-salaamu 'Alaykum.
Respected Mufti Sahab! I am confused regarding the meanings of few terms. I want to understand the difference between them. To make my point clear, I am writing my problem in form of following questions:
1. What is the difference between lughvi and shari meaning of the term "tabligh".
2. What is the meaning of "tazkeer"? Please clarify the difference between "tabligh" and "tazkeer".
3. I listened ulama says that the work of tablighi jamaat is tazkeer, then why don't we call it tazkeeri jamaat?
4. An Islamic scholar says, "The shari meaning of tabligh is "tableegh al-Islam alal kuffar (to propagate Islam to non-believers). When we refer to the work of tablighi jamaat i.e. tazkeer as tabligh, then we use the lughvi meaning of tabligh." Is he saying correct.

Please answer these question so that the meaning of tabligh and tazkeer be cleared to me.

Answer:

The root letters of the word ‘tabligh’ is balagha which means to reach a destination and when brought in to the pattern of taf’eel the translation is to convey.[1] This is the linguistic meaning.

The linguistic meaning of the word ‘tazhkir’ is to remind.

The major difference between the two would be to propagate whilst the other is simply to remind.

The Tablighi Jamat is a recent movement initiated in the 1920’s the name of the movement will not be granted a shari’ terminology status.

It is possible that the message is tabligh (conveying of the message of Islam) to those who are unaware of Islam and its teachings whether they are Muslims or non Muslims.

And it also serves as tazhkir (reminder of the teachings of Islam) who are already aware of Islam and its teachings.

In this manner both words can be in cooperated.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Molana Eunus Ali

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham